Bucket Hooks Hooks on bucket.

DannyD · May 23, 2005

In the middle of the bucket

Mike_C · May 23, 2005

I bought the bolt on tow hooks at
www.jcwhitney.com

RedRocker · May 23, 2005

( Mike - where did you find the bolt-on ones? I didn't see them in the AW Direct catalog.

Thanks, -Norm )

They're standard CJ Jeep hooks, any offroad store will have them.

Freds · May 23, 2005

( I agree with Henro, any style of hooks are better than no hooks at all )

I guess I haven't done anything with my buckets yet where I missed not having hooks /forums/images/graemlins/confused.gif.
The buckets on both of my botas had an upper lip I could attach a chain hook to and the lower edge. I always use two chains (4 attachment points) when lifting anything because it allows me to curl the bucket either way and keep the load level. I always drag or tow something using the drawbar.

I did like the idea someone had a while ago with the angle iron notched out to accept a chain welded across the top of his bucket, but as with the hooks, it limits your attachment points if you use them exclusively.
Not that hooks are bad, I've just never needed them.

have_blue · May 23, 2005

Freds,

I went without bucket hooks for over 2 years, and really needed them often. I found it very awkward always trying to wrap the chain around the FEL and trying to find some way to hook the chain. I envied all the nice hooks I saw on TBN. Well, about a year ago, I added a couple of chain hooks, and now I'm ready! Problem is, I haven't needed them since. /forums/images/graemlins/crazy.gif

pekabu · May 23, 2005

I did the same as Henro. At least for my bucket hooks. /forums/images/graemlins/blush.gif It has served me really well. For my needs so far I have used the middle slip hook the most. I did try to pick something up changed to one side, but it was heavier than I thought and made the tractor unstable. ymmv

GeneD14 · May 23, 2005

I favor grab hooks because I find them very quick using 5/16" chain. If I used slings or straps I would use a slip hook.

Freds · May 23, 2005

( I envied all the nice hooks I saw on TBN )
Yes, I've seen some nice setups with hooks. I came close a few times to adding them to my tractors.

( Well, about a year ago, I added a couple of chain hooks, and now I'm ready! Problem is, I haven't needed them since. )
/forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif Isn't THAT the way things go sometimes? /forums/images/graemlins/frown.gif

seapea · May 23, 2005

I'm getting a Kubota B7610 w/ LA352 FEL. I want to add 3 hooks. The dealer says they just weld them on with no reinforcment. This bucket, along with others iin the Kubota BX and B series, has a U shaped "lip" where the hooks would normally be weleded. To picture this, look at a bucket from the side and follow the top of the bucket to the front edge. After reaching the edge it curls up about 1" and then back about 1", I think this design probably helps keep the top edge of the FEL from buckling, while allowing for thinner plating in this part of the FEL. However, it appears to be too flimsy to attach a hook to. Has anyone added reinforcement to this type of bucket before welding on hooks. I'm thinking just a 1" wide strip along the top edge of the lip.

PineRidge · May 23, 2005

Have_Blue we used to use the bucket hooks all the time. There was always something that needed lifted or moved into position and they were darn right handy. Then we installed a bucket grapple and since the grapple is a lot easier to use, and without needing to leave the seat we haven't touched the hooks since. The bucket hooks are our back-up at this point in time.